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S.S. Casino Shipwreck: A Submerged Relic of Apollo Bay's Past

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Explore the underwater remains of the S.S. Casino, a historic coastal steamer wrecked off the shores of Apollo Bay in 1932. A diver's delight!

The S.S. Casino, a coastal steamer that sank in 1932 just off Apollo Bay, lies in approximately 9 meters of water and is now a popular dive site. The wreck serves as a reminder of the treacherous conditions faced by ships along Victoria's Shipwreck Coast.

A brief summary to S.S. Casino Shipwreck

  • Apollo Bay, Victoria, 3233, AU

Local tips

  • The wreck is best experienced by certified scuba divers due to its depth and potential hazards.
  • Check local weather and sea conditions before planning a dive, as Apollo Bay can experience strong swells.
  • Consider visiting the Apollo Bay Museum to view historical artifacts related to the S.S. Casino and the town's maritime past.
  • Visit the Apollo Bay Hotel to see the S.S. Casino's steering wheel and lights, and the Apollo Bay Post Office to view the anchor.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The S.S. Casino Shipwreck is located approximately 400 meters offshore from Apollo Bay. From the Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre on the foreshore, the wreck site is visible. However, reaching the site requires a boat. Several local tour operators offer diving and snorkeling trips to the wreck. The walk to the harbor is along the great ocean road, and is less than 1km and should take approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Apollo Bay is accessible by V/Line bus services from Melbourne via Geelong. From the Apollo Bay bus stop, the foreshore and harbor area are within walking distance. Once at the harbor, arrange a boat tour to the S.S. Casino shipwreck site. A one way ticket from Melbourne to Apollo Bay is approximately $15-$20. Note that public transport options directly to the wreck are unavailable, as it is located offshore.

  • Driving

    From Melbourne, take the Princes Highway to Geelong, then follow the Great Ocean Road (B100) to Apollo Bay. Parking is available along the Apollo Bay foreshore. From the town center, the wreck is visible, but requires a boat to reach. Arrange a tour at the Apollo Bay Harbour. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $2.70 per hour, with free parking available further from the main area. Keep in mind that parking can be limited during peak season.

Discover more about S.S. Casino Shipwreck

The S.S. Casino shipwreck, located a mere 400 meters offshore from Apollo Bay, is a tangible link to Victoria's maritime history. The 160-foot, riveted-iron coastal steamer, owned by the Belfast and Koroit Steam Navigation Company, was a workhorse of the Western District coastal trade for five decades. Launched in Dundee, Scotland, in 1882, the Casino made approximately 2,500 voyages between Melbourne and various ports including Portland, Port Fairy, and Warrnambool. On the morning of July 10, 1932, the Casino, nearing its 50th anniversary, attempted to dock at the Apollo Bay pier during a heavy south-easterly gale. The vessel struck the bottom, breaching its hull. An attempt to beach the ship failed, and it capsized, resulting in the tragic loss of Captain John Middleton and nine other crew members. Among those who perished was Helena Gill, a stewardess who had worked on the ship for many years. Today, the S.S. Casino wreck is a popular scuba diving site. Divers can explore the remains of the ship, which lies on its port side on a flat, sandy seabed. The site was declared to be of historic significance in 1998. Relics from the Casino can be found around Apollo Bay, including the steering wheel and port/starboard lights displayed at the Apollo Bay Hotel, and the anchor displayed outside the Apollo Bay Post Office. A monument with the ship's propeller stands in Port Fairy.

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